Bath sunk by on-target Farrell

Saracens recorded an immediate response to their defeat to Wasps by claiming a 28-26 victory over Bath at the Rec on Saturday.

Last season's Grand Final hero, Owen Farrell, kicked a penalty with the last act of the game as champions Saracens beat Bath.

Farrell, who scored 23 points in total, was handed the chance when Danny Hipkiss was penalised for going in off his feet at a ruck inside his own half. Farrell's telling kick hit the right-hand upright, and then the left, before creeping over to shatter Bath's belief that they are now a side capable of closing out tight games.

An entertaining first half of rugby saw Bath go into the interval holding a 17-13 advantage.

Sam Vesty and Farrell exchanged penalties before Saracens wing James Short breezed through to score the game's opening try. Farrell converted.

Bath, though, responded almost immediately when Sam Vesty dinked a kick in behind the Saracens defence. The ball bounced awkwardly for Short, who was left flat-footed, but into the hands of Nick Abendanon for his first try of the season. Vesty supplied the extras.

Saracens edged in front with another penalty but Bath had the final word of the half when Ben Skirving showed a real turn of pace to break free and provide back-row colleague, Carl Fearns, with the telling pass.

Bath lost their way after the re-start and Farrell punished them with further kicks at goal.

The home side, however finally upped the tempo again to get their noses in front. But it was Farrell who had the final word to maintain Saracens' recent dominance over the West Country outfit.